We are providing information, advice and guidance by telephone, email and here on our website at www.caringtogether.org. This includes information about specific local services and support carers can benefit from.
You can contact us on 0345 241 0954 or [email protected]
It is worth you knowing
- There is a range of support potentially available to you during the coronavirus (COVID-19) crisis
- It is helpful to talk through your situation and go through what might be useful to you and the person you look after
- Planning for an emergency is particularly important
- You can get support around shopping and collection of prescriptions
- We can provide a letter so shop staff know you are a carer when you shop for the person you look after
- Our homecare can give you a break
- This can include personal care, medication support, meal preparation, shopping, collection of medication and more
- You may be feeling worried, anxious, stressed or tired. Your mental health is important. Support is available (see below).
- If you are feeling isolated we and others can help (see below).
You can get in touch with us to find out more.
People in the Cambridgeshire or Peterborough area may also want to see the COVID-19 Co-ordination Hub to look for and request support. Call 01733 747474/0345 045 5200 or click here to visit their website.
Government guidance
You can view the government advice and information about coronavirus (COVID-19) at www.gov.uk/coronavirus
Government changes to benefits, systems and support
The Government has introduced changes to the benefits system as a result of the coronavirus.
Government support for parent carers
The government have announced grants to help families with children who have complex needs and disabilities. These grants can be for vital equipment to make their lives easier while implementing social distancing measures, including computers, specialist equipment and educational toys.
£10 million of the total has been committed specifically in response to the unique difficulties presented by the coronavirus pandemic.
For details please see the Family Fund website at www.familyfund.org.uk
Feeling worried or isolated?
We are working to support and connect carers by video meet-ups, phone calls and email, instead of the usual hubs and groups.
Many carers and others are also finding the following useful:
- Every mind matters – and NHS site with expert advice and practical tips to help you look after your mental health and wellbeing – see nhs.uk/oneyou/every-mind-matters. We know some carers have found the following particularly useful:
- Happiful – a mental health and wellbeing magazine – see happiful.com. We know some carers have found the following particularly useful:
- Children and young people’s mental health – the government have produced some information and guidance – see gov.uk/government/publications/covid-19-guidance-on-supporting-children-and-young-peoples-mental-health-and-wellbeing
- Norfolk & Waveney mental health advice and support for 0-25s – information and support for people aged 0-25 in Norfolk and Waveney – see justonenorfolk.nhs.uk/mentalhealth
- Now We’re Talking – a campaign that encourages people to get talking to combat loneliness whilst self-isolating, and to seek help if they are struggling with their mental health. It includes Qwell (see below) and:
- Lifeline Plus – a mental health and wellbeing helpline for people aged 18 and over living in Cambridgeshire and Peterborough, is available Monday-Friday between 9am and 2pm via freephone 0808 808 2121.
- Lifecraft – 7 days a week – between 2pm and 11pm the same number is Lifeline, managed by Lifeline who provide support for those in mental health distress: 0808 808 2121.
- Keep Your Head – this website brings together all the mental health support available across the county – www.keep-your-head.com/now
- Qwell – offers online counselling, wellbeing support and self-help resources for adults in Peterborough and Cambridgeshire – see www.cpslmind.org.uk/Qwell
- Young people can also visit www.kooth.com
- The Mix – essential support for under 25s – from mental health to money, from homelessness to finding a job, from break-ups to drugs. Talk to them via online at themix.org.uk, social or our free, or on their confidential helpline 08088084994
- Mind – providing advice and support to empower anyone experiencing a mental health problem – mind.org.uk
- The Lantern Initiative – Mental Health events, seminars and workshops primarily for Muslims but also for the wider community. Working to raise awareness, break the stigma surrounding mental health and empowering Muslim communities – www.facebook.com/thelanterninitiativeuk, Twitter – twitter.com/Al_Inshirah1, Instagram – instagram.com/thelanterninitiative/
We have a Listening Ear telephone support service, we also have partners we can put you in touch with who are able to provide a range of support to ease isolation.
Contact us to find out more.
You can also see information on our group and hubs, while they are not meeting Supporting and connecting carers by video meet-ups, phone calls and email.
Council guide to services for carers
Peterborough City Council and Cambridgeshire County Council have produced a leaflet giving information on services for carers
You can also click here to download the Cambridgeshire County Council and Peterborough City Council – Commissioned Community Services list 2020 – PDF 124kB
Guidance for people living with someone at increased risk of coronavirus (COVID-19)
The government has guidance for households with grandparents, parents and children living together, or where someone is at increased risk or has symptoms of coronavirus (COVID-19) infection – please click here to read more
Cambridge Virtual Community Centre
With all of its community facilities currently closed, the community development team at Cambridge City Council have set up a Cambridge Virtual Community Centre (CVCC) on Facebook: www.facebook.com/cambridgevcc
Cambridge Virtual Community Centre is focused on promoting positive health and wellbeing messages, encouraging people to explore new activities, access resources and develop skills as well as sharing practical information.
Support for victims of domestic abuse
The instructions to stay at home can cause anxiety for those who are experiencing or feel at risk of domestic abuse. There is never an excuse for domestic abuse, no matter what the circumstances are.
For anyone who feels they are at risk of abuse, it is important to remember that there is help and support available to you, including police response, online support, helplines, refuges and other services. You are not alone.
For more information please see www.gov.uk/government/publications/coronavirus-covid-19-and-domestic-abuse/coronavirus-covid-19-support-for-victims-of-domestic-abuse
Mobilise online cuppa
The format is really simple – carers all come together at the same time for a conversation about how it’s going. As well as the ‘live’ conversation on the screen, you can also discuss what’s going on using out ‘chat’ function.
Normally there is talk about things like:
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What challenges are other people facing?
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How are people adapting, and finding ways to cope?
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What practical steps can we take to help each other?